By Train
AMTRAK – Do NOT wait to purchase train tickets. Check-in for Orientation runs from 8 AM - 9:55 AM. Our program starts at 10 a.m. You will need to arrive the night before Orientation as Amtrak does not have early morning arrivals out of Chicago. Currently on weekdays, the first train arrives from Chicago, Union Station to Springfield, IL station (SPI) at 10:10 a.m. An Uber or Lyft could take you another 20 minutes to get to campus. Orientation ends at 5 p.m. The last train from Springfield to Chicago leaves at 7:24 p.m.
By Automobile
Parking: Orientation has reserved parking for guests in Parking Lot F. A parking pass will be emailed to the student a week before their Orientation date. The parking pass should be printed and placed in the dashboard so it is visible, after parking in Lot F. If you choose to park in another lot, be aware there is limited guest parking in several lots and there is an hourly charge. Pay kiosks are available in lots D, G, J, and I. Lots G and J are the closest visitor parking lots to the Student Union where most of Orientation will be held. Please pay attention to the signage on the parking lots, some are designated “permit only” and will result in a $50 parking violation ticket. Refer to the Visitors and Residential Student Parking map (pdf) for more information. Make sure you give yourself plenty to time to secure parking before Orientation begins.
Driving Directions to UIS Campus (pdf)
Ground Transportation
Springfield has a variety of ground transportation options that include taxis, mass transit, Uber and Lyft. Download those apps to your phone to use them in Springfield.
Accessible Transport
Families that need accessible transportation from the train station to UIS, and later the hotel, should check out these Springfield resources:
- The website Easy Access Springfield lists hotels that offer Hotel Shuttles that will provide accessible transportation with 48 hrs. notice. The website also provides information about private transportation companies that are lift or ramp equipped.
- Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) also provides transportation to visitors that have registered with their department.
Plan Your Trip
Make the most of your trip to the Capital City and get to know the community UIS calls home. Whether you are planning to stay overnight or a day visit, check the calendar of events to see what is going in Springfield. While you are in the Capital City explore some of our sites and places to eat. Walk in Lincoln’s footsteps – from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum to the Lincoln Home or Tomb. No trip to Springfield is complete without trying a local favorite, the famous horseshoe sandwich.
Overnight Accommodations
Parents, family members, and guests may need to make arrangements for overnight accommodations. The Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has a listing of area hotels. The list below is for convenience. We only update information when a hotel sends us new information. This page is frequently updated so check back regularly for information. If a hotel has not provided recent updates, listed rates and codes may no longer be valid. For the most accurate and current information, please contact the hotel directly by phone or email. Hotels marked with an asterisk (*) are proud 2025–2026 Community Partners, and we sincerely appreciate their generous support and commitment.
| Hotel name and distance from campus | Information Updated | Hotel Contact Information | Rooms rates | Breakfast |
| *Candlewood Suites 4 miles from campus | April 2025 | 2501 Sunrise Drive (217) 522-5100. Email: dos.csuites@gmail.com | Special UIS Rate: $120/night plus tax (call local number to book) | Breakfast items for purchase or 10% off at IHOP with key card |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton | June 2025 | 2975 S. Dirksen Parkway (217) 843-4010 Email: SPILL_Home2@hilton.com | Room rates and special discounts: 15% off. Use the direct booking link to receive the rate. | Yes |
| Country Inns & Suites 2.7 miles from campus | May 2024 | 3092 Stevenson Drive (217) 544-5151 Email: klfurman@sandcompanies.com | UIS Rate: $119/night + tax (call directly to request) | Yes |
Drury Inn & Suites - Springfield 2.8 miles from campus | April 2025 | 3180 S. Dirksen Parkway 1-800-378-7946 (general reservations) 217-529-3900 (direct) Email address: darci.golden@druryhotels.com | Rate: $109 (+tax) for a deluxe room with two queen beds, valid through Dec. 31, 2025 (some blackout dates apply). Book online using the University of Illinois link or by referencing the university. | Yes |
| La Quinta by Wyndham 2.4 miles from campus | 2023 | 1121 Lejune Drive Reservations: 217-697-5686 Questions: 217-460-0255 | Yes | |
| Route 66 Hotel & Conference Center 2.8 miles from campus | 2022 | 625 E. Saint Joseph Street (217) 529-6626 Email: route66hotel@gmail.com | UIS Orientation Rate: $66/night (ask when booking) | Available to purchase |
| Wingate by Wyndham 2.8 miles from campus | 2022 | 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway (217) 529-1100 | Call directly for UIS Orientation/Family Weekend rates (varies by date) | Yes |
| Comfort Inn & Suites 2.8 miles from campus | April 2025 | 3675 South 6th Street (217) 529-8898 or (877)424-6423 | Call directly to request UIS Orientation or Family Weekend rates (based on visit dates) | Yes |
| Crowne Plaza 3.1 miles from campus | 2022 | 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway (217)529-7777 or (217)585-2808 Email: jthoron@cpspringfield.com | Special UIS Rate: $84/night for a standard room (not updated since 2019) | Coffee shop |
| Hilton Garden Inn 3.1 miles from campus | 2022 | 3100 S. Dirksen Parkway (217) 529-7171 Email: Director of Sales Alie Fricke General Manager Chris Fulz | UIS Orientation Rate: $89/night | Yes |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3.1 miles from campus | 2022 | 3050 S. Dirksen Parkway 217-529-7771 or 217-391-0331 Email: jthoron@cpspringfield.com | UIS Rate: $84/night for a standard room | Yes |
| Extended Stay America 3.2 miles from campus | 2023 | 3185 S. Dirksen Parkway (217) 529-1100 Email: esaspringfield @gmail.com | Yes (limited) | |
| Residence Inn by Marriott 3.4 miles from campus | 2023 | 2915 Stanford Avenue (217) 527-1100 | Yes | |
| Comfort Suites 3.6 miles from campus | 2022 | 2620 S. Dirksen Parkway (217) 753-4000 Email: jhamilton.comfortsuites@gmail.com | UIS Parents & Families Rate: $89 plus tax (reservations made directly through the hotel - rates have not been updated since 2018) | Yes |
| Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 3.6 miles from campus | 2022 | 2636 Sunrise Drive Phone 217-753-2636 Email: Microtel29037@gmail.com | $89–$99 plus tax, per room, per night (subject to availability) | Yes |
| State House Inn 6.2 miles from campus | 2022 | 101 E Adams St. (217) 528-5100 x800 Email address: jami@thestatehouseinn.com | Orientation rate: $79/night for Standard King or Double rooms | Yes |
| SpringHill Suites Springfield Southwest 6.5 miles from campus | April 2025 | 3921 MacArthur Boulevard (217) 789-0000 Email: lisa.nardi@marriott.com | Studio Suite: $159/night plus tax | Yes |
| Hampton Inn and Suites 6.7 miles from campus | 2022 | 2300 Chuckwagon Drive (217) 793-7670 | Yes | |
| Sleep Inn 7.2 miles from campus | 2022 | 3470 Freedom Drive (217) 787-6200 Email address: springfield@ipdhospitality.com | Special UIS Rate: $69/night (+ tax) | Yes |
| Fairfield Inn Springfield 8.7 miles from campus | 2022 | 3446 Freedom Drive (217) 793-9277 Email address: gm.ffispringfield@finehospitality.com | Call the hotel directly to inquire about rates | Yes |
| Courtyard by Marriot 8.9 miles from campus | April 2025 | 3462 Freedom Drive (217) 793-5300 Email: Caitlin Rydinsky, caitlin.rydinsky@marriott.com | Special rate: 15% off for UIS Parents/Family members (subject to availability) | Available to purchase |